International bestseller Michael Connelly will open the festival with a special preview event on October 28, at 2 p.m. in City Hall with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature's writer in residence, Enniskerry resident Declan Burke, moderating.

The main programme takes place in Smock Alley, from November 2-4.

'As a crime writer myself I'm constantly delighted by the passion and enthusiasm of Irish crime fans and I'm confident that they will welcome this new landmark festival in Dublin. In 2017, the top three bestselling books were thrillers and we plan to thrill festival goers whether they enjoy cosy whodunits or Cold War spy dramas. Check out murderone.ie to see the plot unfold,' said Vanessa.

The first book in Sam Blake's Cat Connolly trilogy, Little Bones, hit the best seller list in May 2016, followed by In Deep Water and No Turning Back, which is garnering plaudits from international crime writers such as Liz Nugent, Alex Barclay and Ken Bruen.

Vanessa's London publishers are releasing the paperback with a new cover to coincide with the festival.

International bestseller Lynda La Plante will host a free workshop for anyone interested in the world of forensics or Crime Scene Investigation. This interactive event will be hosted by Think Forensic, whose experts include CSI's, forensic scientists, and senior investigating officers. In La Plante's CSI Murder Room, visitors will get a hands-on introduction to forensic science and be briefed on the crime of the day, inspired by Lynda's newest thriller Murder Mile. Lynda herself will be interviewed by another Wicklow local, Niamh O'Connor on Saturday, November 3, discussing Murder Mile and the Steve McQueen movie due out in November, based on her novel Widows.